Childhood memories complete the sense of our being. Together with our hopes and aspirations, our past gives us the motivation we need to be our best self.

Carlo Cabatingan was once a resident of the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Lubao, Pampanga. He grew up in the center with other children taken cared for by houseparents. At age 10, Carlo’s adoption was processed through Inter-Country Adoption. It did not go well with his first placement until the Foreign Adoptive Agency found Heser Family in Montana, USA. At present, he attends school and helps out in their family business (Heser Tree Care Service).

Now 19 years old, Carlo Heser visited the Philippines for the first time in 9 years living overseas. He set foot at RSCC again on 13 December 2018 and was able to reunite with his fellow residents in the center. He also went to Tarlac Lingap Center to see his childhood friends.

While in RSCC, Carlo spent time with the children. They played with each other and danced together. He was also able to join them in their hydro therapy activities. Carlo was also seen with sincere joy putting the infants and toddlers into sleep in his chest. This is what filled Carlo’s Christmas and New Year. He also went to Boracay, Tala View Deck and Mt. Samat, yet he admits his stay at the center is still the one most worthwhile, “It’s the best that I had in awhile,” he said.

He was able to inspire and give hope to children to be reintegrated with their family or have a new family they will call their own. During the simple farewell party for Carlo, he said he was reminded how he was as a kid, “I will continue to give these children my love for I can remember when I was young living in the orphanage – I remember the feeling of being comforted and at peace when someone gives me a hug and reassurance. I really felt the warmth of kindness and love that they were expressing to me. I will do the same just as they did to me.”

His visit made Carlo realize that it is his calling to serve children. He is certain that RSCC will always be his family. Carlo flew back to Montana, USA on the 9^th of January 2019 with the hope that he’ll be back with his family and friends after two years.

Story by: Narcisa R. Cubian